The windows in your home play a variety of important roles all year round. For example, effective windows will let in plenty of natural light, improve home security, and increase energy efficiency inside a home. Well-designed windows also improve the appearance of a home’s interior and exterior and add plenty of aesthetic value and curbside appeal to the entire property.
At Classic Construction, we’re the area’s experts in home remodeling, with innovative and affordable solutions to improve Richmond homes with premium, high-quality windows. We know that installing replacement windows is a big investment, which is why we make it a point to provide our customers with all the information they need to make an informed decision.
If your house is fitted with older, less-efficient or deteriorating windows, you could be missing out on some major benefits, like enhanced energy-efficiency and a more comfortable living environment with quality window replacement. Richmond homeowners should look for the following signs of window deterioration to determine whether they might benefit from new ones this year.
5 Warning Signs to Tell if You Need Replacement Windows
Contrary to widespread belief, faulty windows are a problem year-round, not just during the winter when it gets colder inside your home. Here are some other signs to look for when evaluating your windows throughout the year, and when they’re most likely to cause problems.
1. Look for Visible Damage Throughout the Year
Window frames are exposed to the harsh elements day after day, and usually over the course of many years. The effects of wind, rain, sun, and changes in temperature will all take their toll on window panels, especially older frames and wooden models that lack the outstanding
durability of today’s more modern products.
Once paint starts to split and peel, cracks will form, and moisture from the rain or snow will find its way inside the window glass causing irreversible damage. Eventually, your window frames can begin to rot in areas, leading to other problems like heavy leaking and mold-growth. If you spot signs of peeling or cracked paint, water leaks or mold in any season, it’s time for an upgrade.
2. Foggy Windows in the Winter
Have you noticed that your view outside is slowly being impaired by misty windows, especially over the wet season of winter? This is caused by a build-up of moisture between the two panes of glass, an indication that the window seals have failed. Once moisture enters inside the window panes, there’s virtually no way to remove the condensation that’s trapped inside, and the problem will only continue to get worse.
If ignored, the window could eventually start to leak, and you could end up with
pools of water forming inside your house. Failed double glazing also dramatically reduces the efficiency of your windows, so you’ll probably notice a difference in the cost of your energy bills. The most cost-effective solution to the problem is to get new, efficient windows installed.
3. Your Windows Are Hard to Open or Close
In the spring and summer months, homeowners open windows to let in fresh air or a cool breeze. In the fall or winter, however, we usually shut them, keeping out cold drafts for a warmer, cozier living environment. This can be difficult if your windows are stuck, hard-to-open, or
difficult to close.
If you’re using extra force and elbow grease to open or close your windows throughout the year, you’re probably in need of new windows. Jammed windows are an indication that moisture has penetrated through the frames and caused them to swell, which will eventually lead to
cracking and more damage.
4. Drafty Window Areas
Windows should serve as protection from the wind blowing outside. If you’ve noticed cold or even freezing air rushing through the windows in the winter, or hot wind passing through them in the warmer months of summer and spring, it’s very likely that your windows aren’t
as efficient as they should be.
The problem with window drafts is the energy that gets lost from inside your home, that causes
your HVAC system to work overtime to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If left unchecked, not only will your energy bills skyrocket, but your home’s air conditioning unit could break down trying to keep up.
5. Noise from the Street is Getting Louder
Another important benefit of high-performance windows is that they soften or eliminate outside noise. In general, loud car engines, airplanes, children yelling, and dogs barking shouldn’t be too bothersome when inside the comfort of a well-insulated home.
Homeowners typically notice more outside noises during the milder months of the year, like spring and summer, when more people spend time outdoors. If you notice an increase in the outside noise levels you hear while inside your home, it’s probably not a sign that the neighborhood is getting louder. Instead, you’re probably in need of window replacement. Richmond, VA homeowners should always have their windows checked by a professional if they notice louder noises than usual, as this could be a sign that your windows are deteriorating.
Professional and Affordable Window Replacement
If you have identified one or more of the above problems with your windows, don’t panic. At Classic Construction, we provide affordable, high-quality solutions to eliminate these problems and improve your home’s efficiency, curbside appeal, and overall value.
Making your home safer, smarter and more energy efficient are just some of the benefits of Richmond window replacement. To find out more about improving your home with durable,
stylish new windows from Classic Construction, give us a call to speak with a representative or fill out our online form to schedule a free, in-home estimate.
